Man who was shot by police pleads guilty

A man involved in a police shooting in California, Missouri, pleaded guilty to assault on a law enforcement officer Friday, in Moniteau County Circuit Court.

Moniteau County prosecuting attorney Shayne Healea tells ABC 17 Nicholas Rodriguez pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, as well as, the assault charge.

A California police officer shot Rodriguez on September 4, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol ruled the shooting and use of force “justified.”

The California police chief contacted the patrol’s division of drug and crime control on September 4. He said there was an officer-involved shooting at 608 S. Taylor Street. California police were trying to arrest Rodiriguez for active warrants, when the incident happened.

On September 16, Rodriguez told Circuit Judge Stan Moore he ran out of his residence knowing officers were outside attempting to place him under arrest for failing to appear in court. He was carrying an airsoft rifle that resembled an AK-47 assault rifle.. The rifle had the orange tip, the indicator the rifle was not in fact a true AK-47, covered by electrical tape.

Rodriguez also had his probation revoked for his previous guilty plea of arson. He was sentenced to a total of 7 years in prison.